I am so excited, after struggling to get back OP after cheating led to me gaining back everything I had lost, (DON'T EVER CHEAT!!! Not even "just once"!!!!) I am finally back in the groove. I feel fantastic, tons of energy and very proud of myself. I need some good thoughts and ideas for this weekend. I am so afraid I will blow it. I have two full days of non-stop family get-togethers which will be attended by my biggest saboteurs. Saturday is my cousin's 1st birthday party followed by my own son's birthday party. Sunday we are traveling to our favorite nearby water park to celebrate all of the cousins' summer birthdays. All events (other than the party I'm throwing) will be major IP challenges. I plan to do my best and bring my own food, but I HATE having to tell people I can't eat their food. I am a terrible liar and they always know and in the end I end up telling them I'm on a diet which prohibits all these foods. I then hear an endless barrage of "you don't need to lose weight! You look fine....here have some cake." UGH!! Lol. I just am dreading that. Wish me luck!!

Sending good thoughts your way. You CAN do this. Try to let the comments roll off your back and think about how good you will feel Sunday night after staying OP all weekend!

Good luck. Avoiding those types of comments is probably harder for you since you are closer to your goal weight than a lot of us. Just stick to what you are doing! Maybe you can say you have a tummy ache or something. I hate to lie, but really, their unwanted comments will end up making you nauseous so it's not really a lie!

I have a casual dinner party (BBQ/picnic) to attend this Saturday but am committed to stay OP. My partner in crime (LosingLawyer - she and I are doing IP together) suggested something that worked. I called the hostess and told her that I just started a new eating plan to better my health and that it would really help if I could bring something for everyone that I can eat. She was completely understanding and I am taking roasted veggies and salad. I will take Ranch dressing and a balsamic vinaigrette, and my own homemade IP compliant dressing. Whoever wants it can have it!! I will have my protein at home before going (I am vegetarian, and they are having veggie burgers, but they won't work for me). Anyhow, I was pleased that planning ahead worked. The benefit of a Monday weigh in is that I don't want to screw up over the weekend and am extra motivated!

Good luck to everyone with staying OP over the weekend!

Hi,

I've been in your shoes millions of time, believe me I know what you are going through!

Stay strong, you can do it! Just be super duper extra prepared.

Good luck

Dsdne - Keep the faith, but just in case, I would go with tummyache to get out of eating anything off protocol. I just can't be defensive and have to go to bat and speak up for myself. (PS - Is that a maltese in your avatar?)

Losinglawyer & Bdmom - Good Luck, being prepared is half the battle.

I've got my father-in-laws retirement reception&dinner in 10 minutes, and 3 kiddie birthday parties this weekend. I have no worries staying OP as I have planned it all out. I know where I will be, what I will bring, and what I can have. A little prep work goes a long way to staying OP!

Yes it is! My precious Bella is 3 yrs old. That pic was right after a horrible groomer shaved her in the middle of winter! Poor thing was shaking for days, even with her sweater on. I assume your's is a Maltese too? Bella thinks she's pretty tough too LOL.

Ugh. Food pushers are the worst!! Take a veggie tray and a lean protein. If they're grilling you can ask them to grill it for you. When they say "you don't have to lose weight you look terrific". Just say thanks. And ignore them. Good luck. You're doing awesome and I know you will be fine!!

That is brilliant!!!

I hate the "Oh you don't need to diet!"ers. They drive me absolutely nuts. I don't care if YOU think I need to lose weight, my BMI/scales says I DO! Gah!!!!